HUNDREDS of thousands of jars of sandwich paste have been taken off the shelves in a food scare involving a Bury warehouse.

Shippam's have recalled the products amid fears they may contain pet food meat.

Brian Davies and his son - also called Brian - who run a meat warehouse on Bright Street, Bury, were arrested last month after a series of swoops by police and health chiefs across the country. A total of 19 people were held.

The Foods Standards Agency inquiry is into claims that chicken intended for pet food was sold to butchers.

It centres on Denby Poultry Products in Derbyshire, which receives waste from poultry slaughterhouses for use in pet food.

A spokeswoman for Shippam's said: ''It is possible that some food has found its way through the supply chain. However Shippam's only buy from reputable companies and have not bought direct from Denby.

''But as a precautionary measure a product recall is going on.

''There is no risk to health because as part of the preparation of the food, sterilization takes place.''

John Snow, principal environmental health officer at Salford council, said: ''Any customer who has purchased the products should return the jar to the retailer from which it was purchased where a full refund will be given.''

Salford's environmental services spokesman, Coun David Lancaster, said:''It has not yet been confirmed that the food is hazardous, but it is always better to follow the manufacturer's guidance rather than take a risk.''